Essex health boss urges people to get their booster
The JCVI has said that booster shots should be offered to anyone over the age of 18
The Public Health Director for Essex is urging residents to take up the offer of a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine when offered.
It comes after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended that those who are over-18 be given the extra jab, three months after their second dose.
Over the last few days, several patients across the UK have tested positive for the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, including one person from Brentwood. As we reported yesterday, this patient was found to have links to a local primary school, fast food outlet and a church, prompting mass testing.
Dr Mike Gogarty, who has overseen Essex County Council's response to the pandemic as Public Health Director, says the new variant, first discovered in South Africa is one of concern: "We know so little about it and it shows some worrying features. We don't know how fast it spreads and how serious it is if you get infected with it."
There are also concerns over the effectiveness of current Covid-19 vaccines against this particular strain of the virus.
Dr Gogarty explains: "Although we don't know how well our vaccines work, they certainly will to an extent. The better vaccinated you are, the stronger your immunity is and the better chance you have of fighting off this variant should you encounter it.
"So please get that booster shot, it's more important than ever."
Face masks are also mandatory in shops and on public transport, in an effort to stop the spread of the new strain.
Dr Gogarty says we must employ other precautions as well: "Although it's getting colder, we need to keep windows open and keep ventilation going. Wash your hands as much as possible. Certainly follow social distancing and avoid physical contact with people. And if you can work from home, why not?"